ESCANABA — April 10 is the registration deadline for the 25th Annual Bay de Noc Gardening Conference in Escanaba. Only preregistration[s] will be accepted. The event will be held at Bay College on Saturday, April 26. This year the event features 16 different classes on a variety of yard and garden topics.

Participants will be able to choose to attend four classes at this day-long conference. “Northern Beauties: Growing Roses” will be presented by David Gafner, who has a PhD in horticulture. Dr. Gafner will also do a Q&A session. For those interested in herbs, Rebecca Krans, MSU Extension Consumer Horticulture Educator will talk about growing herbs year-round in her presentation titled “Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme”. Jennifer and Dominic Guzzetta from Kush & Pronk Farm will discuss gardening for pollinators and other beneficial insects. “Foraging for Wild Edibles” will be addressed by Laurie Johnson, Bay College Biology Instructor.

Other topics include fruit tree grafting; food preservation; broccoli, cauliflower and brussel sprouts; perennial geraniums; vining vegetables; tree pests; cooking with fresh produce; composting; shade tolerant perennials; peonies and Siberian iris; and drought tolerant perennials.

The cost of the program is $48 per person, which includes morning refreshments, box lunch, and up to four classes. Only pre-paid registrations postmarked by April 10 will be accepted. Brochures can be picked up in the Escanaba area at Tractor Supply, Mel’s Lawn and Garden, Wickert Floral, L&M Fleet Supply, and Pam’s Petals. In the Gladstone area at Trotter’s Floral, Frame Farm, and Gladstone City Hall. In the Marquette area, brochures are available at Forsberg Flowers. To receive a printable pdf of the brochure by email, contact DeltaCountyMGA@gmail.com or print the brochure from the event Facebook page, Bay de Noc Gardening Conference.

For a registration brochure or more information, call, text, or leave a message at 906-398-8145. The program is open to anyone with an interest in gardening, regardless of experience. The program also qualifies for Master Gardener educational credit.

This event is sponsored by the Delta County Master Gardener Association, MSU-E Master Gardeners, Bay College, and the Bay de Noc Gardening Association.